Inflammation is a process that protects the body from infection by foreign organisms (such as bacteria and viruses). However, sometimes this process can be triggered where there are no foreign organisms. There are numerous causes behind unnecessary or heightened inflammatory responses being triggered. This can contribute to other disease conditions.

According to research published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in October 2018, an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with decreased risk of dying at an early age.

Background. The associations between an anti-inflammatory diet and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality have been studied previously;however, the influence of an anti-inflammatory diet on survival time has not been investigated. More-over, the potential modification of these associations by smoking status remains unclear.

Objective. The aims of this study were to examine the associations between an anti-inflammatory diet index (AIDI) and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, to determine the association between the AIDI and differences in survival time and to assess effect modification by smoking status.

Conclusion. Adherence to a diet with high anti-inflammatory potential may reduce all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality and prolong survival time especially amongst smokers.

An anti-inflammatory diet is high in antioxidants and other nutrients which lower inflammation in the human body. This diet includes healthy fats (such as fish oils, olive oil), fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. In addition, foods that lead to higher inflammation markers in the body such as refined carbohydrates, refined salt, sugar and saturated fat among others should be avoided for the diet to be truly effective.

Here are some high anti-inflammatory foods that can be incorporated into your diet to reduce inflammation markers in the body. They are generally rich in Vitamins A, K and C and also contain important minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese.

• 1. Green Leafy Vegetables ( and reduce diabetes risk among many other tremendous benefits).
• 2. Beetroot (purifies blood and lowers blood pressure).
• 3. Celery ( improves health broadly speaking).
• 4. Ginger (a natural remedy and improves digestion).
• 5. Blueberries ( packed with antioxidants).
• 6. Pineapple ( and packed with health benefits).

All of these can be incorporated into daily juices. Refer to articles on the benefits of juicing for further details.